As the temperature starts to rise and the weather begins to get nicer, the FHC boys varsity golf team is back on the tee, seeking another great season. The nine individuals have both personal and team goals, and their hard work and perseverance during the off-season is likely to show. With the beginning of the season comes lots of excitement, and the boys are eager to get going.

The team has a lot to prove, as they are currently flying a little bit under the radar. Junior Nicholas Notarnicola, a captain of this year’s team discussed exactly what he is most excited about. “I want to surprise everybody at regionals both personally and as a team, and traveling to Oakland Hills is a goal as well because it is a big-name golf course and a lot of top-tier schools are in that tournament.”

In general, the boys have the same goals every year. Compete for a conference championship, finish top three at regionals as a team, and make the state tournament. Last year, they finished 4th in a very tough OK White Conference. This year, it will once again be tough, but the team is determined to do whatever it can to get the job done.

Last year, the team lost its best golfer in senior Joe Murdock, who is now golfing at Depauw University, so there are some shoes to fill. Luckily, the team has capable golfers that will be able to step up. This season the team adds two freshmen, Joe’s little brother, Matthew Murdock, and Drew Gordon. The team also brings back some core golfers, like captains Philip Murdock and Nicholas Notarnicola. The mix of veterans and new guys could be interesting, but together they mix well and make a great team.

Matthew is ecstatic to be a freshman on varsity by stating, “It feels good, it was a goal I have been working towards all summer. I barely got over the hump but I made it.” Matthew also told me he is most looking forward to the overnight trip to Crystal Mountain.

With goals set high and big shoes to fill the pressure is on for the boys varsity golf team, but they are capable of doing great things. Head coach Paul TenEyck is very excited and eager to get going. “I really like the way our team looks after tryouts. I’m just excited to get the season started. Every year is a new year, and brings new challenges and opportunities.”

The boys will kick off their season at Egypt Valley CC on April 10, at 1 PM.